Kevin came home from school yesterday with a stack full of papers. This is normal. Usually his teacher will “clean out” completed and graded work every two weeks and send it home. But yesterday I was appalled at what one of his papers had written on it. Here had a look:
YUCK?! Really?
Yes, I agree that this is not the best penmanship, nor is it the best example of Kevin’s work. Since I went through and sorted his papers after he went to bed last night I didn’t have the opportunity to ask him what happened, but looking at this paper I gather two possible conclusions:
1. He didn’t like the way he wrote it the first time. Erased it and started over. (He’s a perfectionist. What can I say? He get’s it from his momma!)
2. His teacher didn’t like the way he wrote it the first time, and made him erase it and start over. (Which is something she did discuss with the parents. She is big on good penmanship.)
BUT This upsets me! I am not a teacher and I don’t have a teaching degree, but I do know how to “teach” my child. I certainly wouldn’t degrade his abilities by writing “YUCK” on his paper! What kind of confidence does this build? How does this make him feel about his abilities? Why couldn’t she write a note to him explaining that his work needed to be neater? Or speak with him privately about the importance of clean and neat work?
I don’t know. Am I being overly dramatic about this? Would it upset you if your child came home with “YUCK” written big and bold on their work?
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oh my gosh this is so upsetting!! i can't wait to hear her reasoning.
I would be very upset. What an immature way to give what should've been constructive criticism.
What? Yuck!? That's a bit ridiculous. Sounds like you need to have a talking to to this teacher!
xoxo
Lanaya
http://www.raising-reagan.com
that's totally rude! let us know what happens…
kw, Ladies in Navy
Me either! I did write her a strongly worded email this morning. I am still waiting on a response!
My thoughts exactly! This woman has been teaching for 28 YEARS! I never would have expected something like this from her!
I sent her an email momma! We shall see what she has to say. I am still fuming mad about this! xoxo
Yes ma'am I will
Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
That is so rude!
Yes it is! I am glad to see that I am not the only one offended by this. The hubs said I was over reacting LOL xoxo
That wasn't necessary!! I look forward to hearing her explanation1
I would be totally upset!
Leslie
xoxo
http://fromadaughter.com
Completely agree with you on this one. Although I would want to know what the reasoning was, I don't think "yuck" is a word that should be used to describe a child's work.
I am a teacher and would NEVER write that on a child's paper. What on earth does that accomplish??? When my own children speak rudely I will often say to them, "Does that help or hurt?" That is exactly what I say to this! I think the teacher's response to your child is YUCK!!
Denigrating a child's efforts is never fair or just. If penmanship is one of her hot buttons, then perhaps she should own up to her own failure here. If Kevin is having trouble meeting her standards then maybe, just maybe, SHE should actually teach him HOW to meet those standards.
As a teacher I don't like to attack other teachers but I would never find writing "yuck" on student work appropriate, that is just awful and in no way encouraging. Kids are very sensitive about their learning and any feedback you give a child needs to be thoughtful. I am guessing based on the content of his work he is in 2nd grade (or maybe 1st). I wouldn't be concerned about his penmanship – the only thing I see is one sneaky capital (Lower)… the rest will work itself out. If the teacher is concerned about his penmanship has she provided him with any interventions or created opportunities to practice his penmanship?
I am a former teacher with a teacher's degree and I would NEVER write something like that on a child's paper. How discouraging! I'm curious to hear what the teacher responds to your email.
That is sad. She should have known better.
Oh wow! Her attitude is "YUCK" and rude for that matter. Teachers are meant to encourage and teach in a POSITIVE way not with this, whatever this is. It is very upsetting. Anyway, I'm a new follower and would love for you to stop by my blog. Take care. And you hold your baby and tell him his efforts are not YUCK!
-Kacie @ mommaexperience.blogspot.com